John Funk named new president of Clearwater Beach rotary

Herb Brown, (left) past president of Rotary International, joins John Funk, president of the Rotary Club of Clearwater Beach, in welcoming Briana Funk as an Honorary Member of Clearwater Beach Rotary. COURTESY PHOTO

CLEARWATER BEACH — The Rotary Club of Clearwater Beach held its 60th Annual Officers’ Installation Dinner at the Carlouel Yacht Club on June 25.

John Funk was named the club’s president for the new term.

“This is the first time I have ever installed a club president for a third time,” said Herb Brown, who served as president of the Rotary International in 1995-1996 and is a longtime member of the local Rotary club.

Funk served as the club’s president twice before from 2006-2008. He will be joined by a new board of directors: Garrett Fisher, Berle Garris, Hoyt Hamilton, Tina Ekonomides, Nick Ekonomides and Hilmer Becker.

Nick Ekonomides, who stepped down as the 2013-2014 club president, was acknowledged for his accomplishments during his tenure. Berle Garris was recognized for 41 years of perfect attendance. And Briana Funk, daughter of John Funk, was designated an “honorary Rotarian” in appreciation of her support for the club’s mission by volunteering countless hours at fundraising events, including the annual Jazz Holiday held every October in downtown Clearwater.

In addition to the installation of officers, Brown talked about the successes of the Rotary International Foundation’s efforts to eradicate polio. The foundation’s most notable global project has reportedly help eliminate polio in all but three countries since the first vaccination of children in the Philippines in 1979.

The Rotary Club of Clearwater Beach meets at the Carlouel Yacht Club each Thursday at 12:15 p.m.